29th Dec 2006, 19:47

I'm the original poster of this review. A bit of an update: starter motor was replaced, and no problems since then. The right inner brake light works randomly due to a melted connecting point. The car "lurches" forward when put from park into drive in cold weather (my foot is on the brake, of course). Back right window squeaks like nails on a chalkboard during the last 2 inches of putting it up. The front passenger side controls for the window are next to none. The back door locks fail to work when I use the driver's master control (back left doesn't budge, back right works after several tries).

Despite these faults, I'm still overall satisfied with the vehicle. With today's gas prices and huge SUVs, I can still zip around town with only a small dent in my wallet.

15th Feb 2013, 08:50

Never expect any performance other than mediocre from any engine under 2.3L with an automatic transmission (except perhaps a CVT). With a manual transmission, these cars are quite fun and a fair bit quicker; the manual transmission is lighter and feeds you direct power rather than the usual 4 speed slusher auto they put in these. Plus you have the bonus of actually getting better fuel economy too.

1997 Toyota Corolla SD 1.6L from North America

Summary:

Best $1600 I ever spent

Faults:

Front bumper cover was cracked when purchased.

Front control arm bushing.

Will need 4 struts in the near future.

General Comments:

I spotted this car for sale on a parking lot and called right away, as I had been looking for a smaller car. The guy selling it wanted $2000 ('97 Corollas generally sell for about $3500) because he said it needed about another $2000 in repairs. I ended up buying it for $1600 and replaced the bumper cover ($100) and the front control arm ($60 at scrap yard),replaced it myself in 20 minutes (dealership wanted to charge me for 3 hours labour). The struts will likely need replacing soon, they are about $100 each and I can replace them myself. So, for a total of $560 in repairs and parts, I still have an immaculate car for under $2200.Body and interior are spotless. The only thing I don't like about it is the color (it's that weird greyish, purplish color) but even that has grown on me partly due to the fact that it hides the dirt so well!!I washed and waxed it when I bought it and haven't washed it since!

I've only had this car for a month, and have driven it about 3,000 km, city and highway. It burns no oil, gets incredible gas mileage and handles very well for a smaller car.

My other car is a '95 Toyota 4Runner with 300,000 km on the clock and it also burns NO oil, so I know that this Corolla has lots more life left in it.

Friends always comment about my good luck with used vehicles and I tell them it's because I only buy Toyotas. I intend to drive this Corolla until it dies. I tend to opt for practicality over style and I have a feeling this one is gonna go way over the 300,000 mark!